Truth be told I still make a Christmas list, but instead of the North Pole, it’s delivered to my very own Mrs. Claus. Despite my cellar, garage and den harboring a pretty good supply of hunting, fishing, and boating supplies, I have no problem finding a few new or improved outdoor items I just can’t live without! Perhaps some of my ideas will aid a wife, daughter or girlfriend select a great gift for their special sportsman.
Aroostook winters being as long and dreary as they are, fly tying, shell reloading, rod building and decoy carving take up only so much indoor time. So if I can’t enjoy a favorite cast or blast pastime first hand, I’d just as soon read about it. Books on how-to and where-to adventures help pass a lot of long, cold winter evenings and specialty magazine subscriptions keep giving all year long.
Other great entertainment options include DVDs of rod and gun outings throughout the U.S. and even more exotic places. If several outdoor buddies each receive a couple of DVDs, it’s possible to switch and trade to enjoy a full array of videos.
There’s also a wide selection of fun and challenging video games for TV or computer and the graphic and audio are impressive. Nothing passes a frigid January evening like salmon fishing in Alaska, elk hunting in Wyoming or bear hunting in British Columbia – all from your easy chair!
Another great gift idea for outdoorsmen who spend time in a tree stand or blind among throngs of blood thirsty insects is a Thermacell insect repellant. This small butane powered unit heat a tiny repellant infused mat that exudes insecticide to keep a 15-foot circle bug free. Mats and butane canisters are easily replaceable in a camo colored Thermacell burner that fits into a jacket pocket and really keeps the bugs at bay. The outfit sells for about $25.
A set of Motorola Talkabout two-way radios can be an essential safety and convenience source for all sorts of outdoor activities from hiking to kayaking to trapping. Years ago a set of walkie-talkies were large, cumbersome, hard on batteries and short on range. Just a bit larger than a cell phone, each of these Talkabout radios is packed with features and promise a range of 25- to 35-miles under optimal terrain and weather conditions.
Talkabouts feature 22 channels, 121 privacy codes, push-to-talk ear buds, quick chargers, 10 call-alert tones, NOAA weather radio channel, hands-free operation and much more. Use them in the mall, in the woods, between vehicles on trips and dozens of other outdoor endeavors, all for about $75.
Perhaps you’ve already purchased that big ticket gift, a new rod, bow or rifle for that special sportsman and now need some stocking stuffers. Every trout and salmon caster needs a few more flies or lures and what bass buster hasn’t got room in the tackle box for a couple more top water plugs or another bag of plastic worms.
How about a protective foam reel cover or a Velcro edged lure cover that allows an angler to leave a lure or plug attached to the rod and the cover prevents the hooks from catching on people and things during transit? Bass Pro has them and they are inexpensive.
Speaking of Bass Pro Shops, a couple of Christmases ago, one of my fishing buddies got me an adjustable rod bag from their on-line catalog. This rig holds five bait or spin cast rods with attached reels in separate compartments and boasts felt liners to protect each reel. Length is adjustable from 5- to 8 feet and a sturdy zip closure keeps dirt and debris away from the rods and reels during boat and vehicle travel. It’s a perfect gift for the angler who has everything.
Last but not least, every new year means a new license so visit city hall or go on-line and buy the outdoorsman or woman on your gift list a new hunting, fishing or combo license.
If all else fails, visit your local fly shop, gun shop or sporting goods store and pick up a gift certificate, then the lucky recipient can do their own shopping and get exactly what they need in the right color, shape and size. Don’t waste any time though, Christmas is just around the corner.
Sportsman’s suggestions for Santa
It’s difficult to believe that in just over a week Christmas will have arrived once again. Am I the only one to have noticed that as I get older, years pass more quickly? It makes little difference, regardless of age, I’m still a kid at heart during the holiday season and can’t wait to pull ribbons, rip paper and open gifts. I even get a charge watching others tear into the presents.
